Kota Kinabalu: Tengku Fuad Tengku Ahmad, the lead counsel for Tan Sri Musa Aman (pic), said the former Chief Minister has informed the Speaker that he (Musa) is and has been undergoing a series of medical treatments and tests for which he was hospitalised and that it is unsafe and ruinous to health for him to travel. Hence, he said Musa in a letter dated July 30, has sought from the Speaker a special dispensation and an extension of time to be sworn in on medical grounds where the absolute discretion to grant the same rests with the Speaker.

While assuring that Musa would be returning as soon as he is medically fit to do so, he said Musa is currently awaiting the results of numerous medical tests, diagnosis, as well as his future prognosis in respect of his immediate condition in order to determine first, his medical needs and second, when it may be safe for him to endure the long flight back to Sabah.

"Specifically, Musa's doctors must determine the best way in which to plan his future regime of treatment in addition to making plans for his future care once he returns to Sabah," he said.

"Musa at present, through the advice of his medical doctors, has indicated that he is physically unfit to travel and that any such travel is injurious to his health.

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"Accordingly and in such circumstances, Musa has expressed his deep regret that he may be unable to be physically in Sabah for the purposes of taking his oath in the State Assembly." The statement said.

He said Musa has given his undertaking to update the Speaker and has offered to extend a full medical report to the Speaker in the event that he requires the same.

Fuad added that Musa thanked all well-wishers and everyone who has prayed for him and for his safe and speedy recovery.

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"Musa also assures everyone that he will be returning soon and that he will be and is fit to take up his rightful and lawful position as Chief Minister of Sabah," he said.

The statement came following media coverage appearing in the New Straits Times portal dated Aug. 5, concerning the deadline within which Musa and his son Yamani Hafez are to take their oaths as members of the Sabah Legislative Assemby and the Federal Parliament, respectively.